Beijing calls for truce and aid access in Gaza Strip

China's ambassador to the United Nations urged on Monday the full restoration of humanitarian access in Gaza, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the territory.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said the region is "mired in severe turmoil", noting a recent Israeli attack on southern Lebanon shortly after reaching a fragile ceasefire with Iran.

"In Gaza, the humanitarian disaster is beyond words," Fu said, adding China "strongly condemned attacks on civilians and the weaponization of humanitarian aid".

Fu cited a UN report saying that "the militarized aid distribution mechanism promoted by the United States and Israel violates the principles of impartiality and neutrality, and has led to further danger for civilians".

"Searching for food must not become a death sentence," Fu said, calling on Israel to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, lift the blockade and ensure full access to humanitarian agencies.

"China firmly opposes the weaponization of humanitarian aid, strongly condemns attacks on civilians, and calls for a thorough investigation and accountability.

"We urge Israel to immediately cease all military operations in Gaza. Countries with significant influence on the parties involved should adopt a fair and responsible stance and take concrete actions to promote a ceasefire," he said, adding that China strongly opposes unilateral actions that violate international law.

Fu reiterated China's support for the two-state solution as the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian question. "The tragedies endured by the Palestinian people shake the foundations of international fairness and challenge the conscience of humanity," he said.

China calls for an early resumption of high-level meetings on the two-state solution, he said.

"The question of Palestine lies at the heart of the Middle East question. ... The international community should strengthen solidarity and jointly provide support and guarantees for advancing the political process of the two-state solution.

"We firmly oppose the forced displacement of Palestinians and reject dangerous attempts to annex Gaza and the West Bank. We look forward to the early resumption of a high-level meeting on implementing the two-state solution," he said.